In November 2006 Air New Zealand will be flying directly from London to New Zealand via Hong Kong. I can’t tell you how relieved I am to hear that! I travel between the two countries frequently and I really don’t enjoy going via the USA simply because since 9/11 passengers in transit are not allowed to leave the transit lounge and walk around the airport building while they are waiting for the flight to continue.
It may only be a two hour wait but to have to spend most of those two hours standing in a cue waiting to have your finger prints and photo taken is incredibly painful. If you consider that you have just completed over 11 hours of flying, you are dead tired and just want to shower, stretch out, walk around or pass out on a chair standing for most of those two hours is not acceptable. Hong Kong here I come!
The other route I have flown is via Canada and then to Hawaii. Honolulu International Airport is a fair size and at least you are able to leave the airport building and do some exploring. I stayed one night in a Waikiki Hotel and enjoyed spreading out in the hotel bed for the night. I had a great meal at one of the many glorious restaurants Waikiki has to offer. I tried the cheese cake shop. The name is deceptive so don’t get put off. They have a massive selection of fantastic food at great prices and naturally they have the biggest selection of cheese cake I have laid eyes on.
I hired a car (car hire) to get from the airport to the hotel and because I had time in my day and a half stopover, I drove around the island and visited Pearl Harbour. The people were great and I also did a little shopping before continuing my journey the next evening. Now that sure beats sitting in a transit lounge!
By Doreen B.
July 27th, 2006
I recently read an article about web based travel tools not being as popular as it was two years ago (according to The Conference Board). I find that hard to believe.
I personally use online travel information all the time. I do sometimes use an agent but more often than not, I am able to find a cheaper flight by researching and booking online. Even hotel bookings and car rentals I find cheaper if I book online. I actually cant remember when last I held an airplane ticket in my hand that was not an eticket.
Please give me your comments on this matter. I really would be interested to see if anyone out there agrees with me or with the report I read. Thanks for taking time to read this blog.
by Doreen B.
July 26th, 2006
Take a trip to Iceland and save yourself some hard earned cash. With the escalating fuel prices, travel is becoming more challenging so my advice is to still go away but be more creative. Try visiting places you have not been to before, like Iceland and look specifically at booking your flights with airlines that are offering specials.
With this in mind, I thought you might want to know that Icelandair are offering some great summer deals. If you are planning a weekend away, why not check out the flights and shoot off to Iceland for a great time at great prices?
For our American readers you will have to visit for more than a weekend because your flying time is 5.5 hours whereas the British only have a 3 hour flight to endure. I just checked the Icelandair website and if you are flying from the States, you can get a flight for $999 that includes 3 nights accommodation at a smart Nordic Hotel. That’s great value for money. I say: Wow, go for it!
By Doreen B.
July 19th, 2006
By now most people know that if they ask nicely they can get the seat of their choice on just about any flight. For example, when you book your flight you can request an isle seat or a window seat. Or if you get to the airport super early you can request a seat while you check your luggage in. This is no big secret. What most people don’t know is which seat is best for them.
Now if you’re travelling a long long way you may want an isle seat because then you can get up whenever you want. The down side is that you have to put up with people sitting next to you disturbing you whenever they want to get up. It’s little things like this that you need to consider when choosing your seat so your decision needs to be wise, well informed and tailor-made to suit your needs. How do you go about making this wise choice? Obviously it depends on how far you’re travelling, what sort of traveller you are, who you’re travelling with and how much money you’re prepared to pay. The big question then becomes: which seat is best for you?
Well, I’ll tell you. For example, if you’re a nervous flyer or someone who is prone to motion sickness you’re gonna want a seat where you’ll experience the least amount of turbulence. So ask for a seat right on top of the wing of the plane. This is where the centre of gravity is at so you won’t feel the turbulence so much. The further away from the wing you are (especially towards the back of the plane) the bumpier it gets. If you’re a nervous flyer you should sit nearer the front of the wing because the flaps on the back of the wing can be a bit noisy which is a little unerving. Nervous flyers should also avoid sitting in emergency exit seats because you don’t need that kind of responsibility to fray your nerves even more.
Most airlines have an online seating plan that you can have a look at and these plans will vary depending on the airline and the type of airplane you’ll be flying on. I found a fabulous website that lists links to around 60 airlines; have a look. And now for the low-down on where you should sit; courtesy of The Sunday Times Travel magazine:
If you have money:
If you’re one of those lucky people the rest of us envy and you can afford business class then you’ll be more comfortable than the rest of us, no matter where you sit. However, you do still need to consider the fact that the layout will vary according to who you fly with. On some airlines new flatbed layouts make it difficult to talk to your travel buddies. I did have a look at the Air New Zealand one and I can confirm this to be true. However, this layout would be perfect if you’re travelling by yourself and want a little privacy. Airlines such as South African Airways (again, I’ve had a look) have their flatebeds side by side which is much better for travel buddies.
Daddy long legs:
If you have long legs then you’re gonna need extra legroom to ensure you can still walk by the end of the journey! Especially on long haul trips. Ask for an emergency exit seat (as long as you’re not a nervous flyer as well!) because these have extra legroom to make evacuation easier. The only problem with these seats is that in some planes they don’t recline. So be sure to ask about this when booking. The other option is the ‘bulkhead’ seat which is situated by the wall that seperates the cabins.
Kids:
If you’re travelling with kids you’re gonna want to make this journey as easy as possible. For very young children you’ll need a bulkhead seat because thats where the bassinets are. But if you have a toddler get yourselves seats near to a loo and the galley. It is a busy area and can be a bit noisy at times but you’ll find it useful to be near to the toilet and you’ll also get more attention from the crew. I found a nifty website that has lots of advice and tips for making travel with children easier.
Couples:
Obviously you’ll prefer sitting in a pair of seats rather than a threesome. Some planes only have two seats by the windows but on others there are three. In this case you’ll need to ask to sit near the back. This is where the fuselage narrows and there is room only for two seats by the window rather than three.
Sleeping beauty:
If you want spare seats next to you so you can lie down without forking out for the priveledge of a flatbed, then sit right at the back. It’s bumpy, noisy and you’ll probably be the last off the plane but these are the very reasons why most people like to sit near the front. This means that unless the flight is full, you may just be able to get a whole row to yourself. If you’re prepared to put up with the disadvantages then you could benefit from a cheap flatbed!
Now you’re informed; go forth and choose wisely. Always check the seating plan and never be afraid to ask for what you want….within reason of course!
Sam.
July 12th, 2006